The Math Playgroup: Frequently Asked Questions​

Q: My child is several years ahead in math. Will you be able to keep my child stimulated?

A: Absolutely! I have years of experience teaching gifted and talented students, some of whom were ready for high school mathematics in third grade. I choose a range of activities that stretch children's thinking, both by introducing advanced mathematical content, as well as pushing them to think more abstractly, logically, and strategically. Some of my activities come from Cambridge University's nRich Maths program, and are even challenging for adults!

Q: My child struggles with math. Is the playgroup appropriate for her, or is this just for advanced students?

A: The playgroup will definitely be beneficial for your child! All of the games and activities can be approached from different levels. (We call these low-threshold/high-ceiling activities.) The small group size means that I can provide a lot of individualized support to meet each child at her own level. Best of all, the playful nature of our activities will help your child build confidence and form lasting positive associations about math.

Q: What "type" of math do you teach? At school my child is learning <Fill In Name of Math Program>?

A: I have experience with a wide range of math curriculums, including Singapore Math, TERC/Math in the City, and Common Core Math, as well as more traditional programs. In truth, the curriculum or method your child is learning is not particularly important, because all of the programs share similar end goals. Ultimately, we want children to be flexible mathematical thinkers with a strong number sense, resilience when tackling problems, and the ability to adapt and develop their own strategies when encountering the unfamiliar. Playgroup math is very well suited to developing robust math thinking without the constraints of a curriculum.

Q: Will the Math Playgroup help my child get better test scores?

A: This is not a test-prep oriented program. My focus is on building rigorous mathematical thinkers through FUN applications of math. I truly believe that children who are confident mathematicians and creative problem solvers will perform well on any and all exams because they have a deep understanding of mathematical content. Traditional test-prep is just the icing on the cake, and will do very little if a child does not have a true understanding of the topic. That being said, if a child is struggling in a particular area, I will address his individual needs through our play and games.